Mollie Ann McCown June 14, 1993 – January 26, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mollie Ann McCown, who left this world far too soon on January 26, 2025, at the age of 31, after a short and devastating battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Born on June 14, 1993, in Edina, MN, Mollie spent her early years in Fridley before moving to Burnsville at the age of three. Following the tragic loss of her father, Mark, when she was just six years old, she and her mother relocated to Eau Claire in October 1999 to be closer to family. There, Mollie grew up and graduated from Memorial High School in 2011.

Mollie initially attended UW-Stevens Point before choosing a different path after recovering from extensive surgery. She pursued her passion for beauty and self-expression, attending the Professional Hair Academy and earning her cosmetology license. As a talented stylist, she found immense joy in helping others feel beautiful and confident. She worked at Mia Bello Salon in Chippewa Falls, where she played a vital role in its success. She also worked at the Holiday Inn South, where she formed lasting friendships.

Mollie was known for her infectious laugh, sparkling blue eyes, and radiant smile. She had an adventurous spirit, a feisty and stubborn streak, and an unwavering loyalty to those she loved. She adored the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Cubs, Harry Potter, Taylor Swift, puppies, and little children. Losing her father at such a young age shaped Mollie into a deeply empathetic person, always seeking to lift others up and encourage them to believe in themselves.

Her love for fishing began at the age of two when her parents gave her a fishing rod—so excited was she that they had to tie it to her wrist to keep it from flying into the water. She continued her childhood ritual of kissing at least one fish each time she cast a line, even into adulthood. In addition to fishing, she was a dedicated softball player, playing from the age of four through her senior year of high school.

Family was everything to Mollie. She formed close bonds with her grandparents, Ralph and Norma Scott, who nurtured her love for adventure, including downhill skiing, fishing, and photography. She shared an especially deep connection with her grandmother, Norma—her partner in crime and kindred spirit.

Mollie is preceded in death by her father, Mark McCown, and grandparents Ralph Scott, Janice Brantingham, and Max McCown. She is survived by her devoted mother, Patricia McCown (née Scott); her half-siblings, Derek McCown and Caitlin (Christina) Fletcher; her beloved grandmother, Norma Scott; her uncle Cameron (Lisa) McCown; aunts Susan (James) Squiers and Nancy (John) Mickelson; cousins Katie (Shaughnessy) Murphy and Scott Mickelson; numerous extended family members; and her cherished boyfriend and best friend, Zachary Mohr, who brought her great love and happiness.

Mollie's kindness, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who were lucky enough to know her.

Our sincere appreciation to the medical team at Marshfield Clinic's Medical Intensive Care Unit for their loving care and support.

A visitation will be held at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home from 4:00 – 8:00PM on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. A Christian funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Spirit Lutheran Church, 1310 Main Street, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, with Reverend Dr. JonPaul Dragseth officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM up until the time of services at the church. The burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery following the service for close friends and family. All are welcome to join the luncheon following the burial at Spirit Lutheran.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in memory of Mollie to Cattails Place at Marshfield Medical Center https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/giving/cancer-patient-lodging 611 W Doege Street, Marshfield, WI 54449) or to Mayo Clinic for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Research. Donations can be made by phone, online or by mail: Please visit https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc and complete the online form. Under "Tribute Information" please check by "In Memory" and write in Mollie McCown, or mail a check to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.